DYNAMIC DEBUT

OUR FIRST TASTE OF THE LC250 COMES IN THE FORM OF THE LEXUS GX550 OVERTRAIL, AND THIS LUXURY 4X4 WAGON IMPRESSES BOTH ON THE ROAD AND OFF IT

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

TOYOTA’S 250 Series 4x4 wagon will take many badges around the globe. In the USA it is already sold as the LandCruiser 250 Series and the Lexus GX, while when it hits our showrooms it will be the new Toyota Prado as well as the GX550, making this the first time we have received the Lexus GX model in Australia. The GX was built on the 120 and 150 Series models for the USA market in the past where it has become a popular vehicle for overlanders there.

The Lexus GX550 has arrived in Australia in three trim levels starting with the Luxury model at $116,000 (+ORC), then the Overtrail from $122,250 (+ORC) and capped off by the $128,200 (+ORC) Sports Luxury variant.

As we’ve come to expect from Lexus vehicles, they carry over all the hardware and abilities of the Toyota model on which they are based but add a swag of luxury editions and, sometimes, added performance.

It’s the added performance that really makes the GX550 stand out from the Prado which will arrive later this year with the familiar 2.8-litre 1GD four-cylinder diesel engine. In the oiler’s place, the GX550 scores a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol engine that makes a claimed 260kW and 650Nm.

Of the three GX550 models, it’s the Overtrail that will be of most interest to 4x4 Australia readers. This is the model that is best equipped for touring and off-road use as it’s fitted with 18-inch wheels and allterrain tyres in lieu of the 20- and 22-inch wheels and low-profile tyres fitted to the Luxury grades. It also gets a locking rear differential, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS) and Multi-Terrain Selector and monitor. The Overtrail also does away with the third-row seating giving adventurous owners more space for gear and increasing the available payload.